Music, food, traditions—these are just a few of the ways that people express their cultural heritage. And in Xiaomi‘s Proactive Action campaign, these are beautifully captured by four visual storytellers from Southeast Asia.
The campaign, produced by National Geographic Creative Works for Xiaomi, documents and raises awareness of causes that are close to the hearts of the storytellers, in an effort to create interest and preserve their existence.
The stories reflect the local perspectives of the photographers from each country: Gab Mejia from the Philippines, Annice Lyn from Malaysia, Sirachai “Shin” Arunrugstichai from Thailand, and Linh Pham from Vietnam.
Proactive Action will feature photos and short videos with themes chosen by each photographer using the Xiaomi 12 Pro‘s triple 50MP pro-grade camera, highlighting features such as ProFocus and Ultra Night Video.
Gab Mejia
Gab embarks on a journey to document the cultural and natural aspect of the Mountain People of the Cordilleras, as well as to highlight on the theme and importance of cultural and natural heritage preservation.
Annice Lyn
Annice documents the work of the Wayang Kulit master, traditionally known as puppet shadow-play. By capturing the tradition, craftsmanship, and performances, Annice hopes to share the social and cultural importance of bringing families and communities together raising awareness of this art form, while preserving it for future generations.
Sirachai “Shin” Arunrugstichai
Shin captures the successful results of conservation efforts of one of the largest remaining mangrove forests of eastern Thailand: Prasae Estuary. Shin portrays the rich biodiversity of this place while also showing the intertwining relationships of the local community and its rich natural resources.
Linh Pham
Linh gets to know Ho Chi Minh City’s culture riches by exploring its hidden corners not found in travel guides: an unnamed coffee shop under the bridge, a museum with million-year-old specimens, a charming neighborhood blended with Vietnamese and Chinese heritage, and a peaceful fishing island.
Celebrating life and culture in SEA
As part of the campaign, Xiaomi will be holding a photography contest called Xiaomi Photography Academy: A Celebration of People, Life, and Culture across Southeast Asia for those who want to showcase their skills and share the fascinating parts of their lives and culture.
The photo contest runs from May 14 to June 14, 2022 and is open to individuals who own a Redmi or Xiaomi phone. Participants are encouraged to take the best photos that represent the theme.
The grand prize winner will win a Xiaomi Smart Package that includes a Mi TV P1 55″, Mi Soundbar, Xiaomi Watch S1, and Mi Standing Fan 2. He or she will also be named as a Xiaomi Photography Ambassador.
Meanwhile, Xiaomi will also name four consolation prize winners, who will each take home a pair of Xiaomi Buds 3.
Winners will be announced on June 17. Details of the contest will be announced on Xiaomi Philippines’ social media pages.
Learn from the master
Photography enthusiasts can get hands-on experience during the Xiaomi Photography Academy Masterclass, which will be held at the Masungi Georeserve on May 14.
The free-to-enter masterclass is open for all Xiaomi 12 Series users and they will get a chance to meet and learn from Gab Mejia, a National Geographic Photographer, who has been using the Xiaomi 12 Pro to take scenic photographs. Participants of the masterclass also stand a chance to win a Xiaomi Mi-stery Box after the program.
Interested participants may sign up via this link. Qualified participants shall receive the full event details.
